Erg Monitor Metrics

By the Watta Team · Updated

Erg Monitor Metrics: Erg monitor metrics are the real-time performance data displayed on the Concept2 PM5 screen during rowing, including split time, stroke rate, watts, distance, calories, and force curve.

What is Erg Monitor Metrics?

The Concept2 PM5 monitor displays comprehensive real-time metrics during rowing. Primary metrics: Split Time (pace per 500m, the most commonly used), Watts (power output), Calories/hour (energy expenditure estimate), Stroke Rate (strokes per minute), Distance (metres rowed), and Time (elapsed or remaining). Display screens: the PM5 can show multiple metrics simultaneously and offers several pre-configured display layouts. Users can customise which metrics appear in the main and secondary display positions. Advanced metrics: Force Curve (graphical representation of force applied through the stroke — shape indicates technique quality), Drive Length, Drive Time, Peak Force, and Average Force. These advanced metrics are invaluable for technique development and are available in the PM5's advanced display options. The PM5 also shows interval summaries, projected finish times, and pace boats for target pacing.

How Watta Uses Erg Monitor Metrics

While the PM5 shows real-time metrics during rowing, Watta adds post-workout analysis that the monitor cannot provide: Effort Scoring, heart rate zone analysis, pacing consistency measurement, and long-term trend tracking across all your sessions.

Further Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

Which metric should I watch while rowing?
For most training: split time (pace per 500m) as the primary display, with stroke rate visible. For steady-state: add heart rate if using a chest strap. For technique work: use the force curve display to monitor stroke quality.
What is the force curve on the PM5?
A real-time graph showing force applied through the drive phase. Ideal shape: smooth, tall curve peaking in the first third. Spiky, uneven, or double-peaked curves indicate technique issues like rushing or disconnection.
Can I customise the PM5 display?
Yes. Navigate to More Options > Display to change which metrics appear in each position. You can show up to 5 metrics simultaneously. Recommended setup: split/pace as primary, stroke rate and heart rate as secondary.

Related Content

PM5 MonitorThe PM5 (Performance Monitor 5) is the current-generation display unit on Concept2 ergometers, showing split time, distance, stroke rate, watts, heart rate, and other workout metrics.Split TimeSplit time is the pace expressed as the time it takes to row 500 metres on an ergometer, displayed in minutes and seconds (e.g. 2:00.0/500m).Watts (Rowing)Watts in rowing measure the power output on an ergometer, calculated from the pace using the Concept2 formula: Watts = 2.80 / pace³.Force CurveThe force curve is a graph on the Concept2 PM5 that shows how much force you apply to the handle during each stroke, used to diagnose rowing technique.Stroke RateStroke rate, or strokes per minute (SPM), is the number of complete rowing strokes you take in one minute on the ergometer.Concept2 Pace BoatThe pace boat is a PM5 feature that displays a virtual competitor rowing at a target split, helping you maintain consistent pacing during workouts and tests.Pace per 500mPace per 500m (also called split) is the standard unit of speed in indoor rowing, representing the time to cover 500 metres, displayed in minutes:seconds format.Erg Screen (PM5 Display)The erg screen is the Performance Monitor 5 (PM5) display on a Concept2 ergometer that shows real-time workout metrics including split time, distance, stroke rate, and calories.Split to Watts ConverterWatts to Split ConverterErg Technique GuideRowing for BeginnersFor Concept2 UsersFor Beginners
Free on iPhone

Every erg counts.

Photograph your erg screen after the piece and Watta logs it for you.

Download on the App Store

iPhone, iOS 15.1 or later · no subscription · Android beta

See everything Watta does